Alumni Newsletter Winter 2025

Catch up on the latest news, updates, and celebrations from High Rocks.

Happy Winter from Camp High Rocks!

As we reflect on the past year and our summer season, we are struck by how timeless the High Rocks experience truly is. From our earliest days in 1958 our mission has guided every decision. 

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Camp High Rocks is a community where boys connect with the outdoors, each other, and most importantly themselves.

In today’s world of constant screens and digital pressure, the simple act of being unplugged has become one of the greatest gifts we can offer.  At High Rocks, boys step into a space filled with fresh air, real conversations, hands-on challenges, and meaningful friendships. Without phones or devices, campers have the chance to slow down, build confidence, and discover who they are. As unplugged spaces feel increasingly rare, we continue to be thankful for this camp.

This past summer, we had the privilege to welcome over 500 campers and 100 staff to camp. And what a blast we had! From climbing trips to special all-camp events, this summer was filled with moments of magic. Our staff made it smooth! It’s amazing how much can change each year and yet so much remains the same.  Saturday morning still means made-from-scratch pancakes, and the morning bell still wakes everyone up. 

Updates Around Camp:
We know alumni tend to want to know the nitty gritty and all the details of the updates and improvements we are making! 

  • House on the Hill was winterized and now houses three year-round staff (with A/C for summer!).
  • Cabin Outpost bathrooms got a refresh.
  • Disc Golf became an official activity in 2024 and has continued to grow!
  • Filled 5 Age Group Directors roles with wonderful summer staff.
  • After Helene’s gift of firewood, we purchased a log splitter (our maintenance team was thrilled!) 
  • The “Camp High Rocks Campership Fund” funded 3 local boys to attend camp.
  • Hosted our 8th Family Camp over Labor Day Weekend (And yes, alumni are invited!)

What We’re Working on Now:

  • Renovations to the CT Bridge are nearly complete.
  • Rope Swing 3.0 is underway after hurricane damage.
  • Hiring for Summer 2026 is in full swing with many returning staff.
  • Our Fall Camp Gatherings are wrapping up. Don, Zoob, and Woody have been everywhere!
  • Painting the outside of the Dining Hall is underway
  • Added 6 sailboats to program and gave our current fleet a facelift
  • A new staff housing building located near the barn has broken ground

Keep reading for more information on our Fall 2027 Reunion, updates from our Alumni, and more information just for you!

We thank you for your continued support of our community. Please drop us a line if you are in the area. We would love to reconnect!

All the best,
Don Gentle, Elizabeth “Zoob” Gentle, & Woody Noland, Camp Directors
Townsend Birdsong, Director Emeritus  

Your Alumni News

There’s always something to celebrate with our Alumni Community. Here are some of the latest milestones our alumni have achieved. 

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Mark Your Calendars

We will be hosting an alumni reunion in the Fall of 2027. We will announce exact dates later. Start thinking about which camp friends you want to bring along and get excited to relive camp memories.

Recent Alumni Blog Posts

See our featured alumni spotlights and blog posts for you!

High Rocks Alumni Spotlight: William Foreman Our Alumni Spotlight series is back! We’re excited to highlight our alumni through the years. If you or someone you know would make a great feature, email Darby at office@highrocks.com—we’d love to hear from you! Today, we are excited to introduce William Foreman. William was a staff member at camp for all but oneRead More »
High Rocks Alumni Spotlight: Wyatt Amacker Our Alumni Spotlight series is back! We’re excited to highlight our alumni through the years. If you or someone you know would make a great feature, email Darby at office@highrocks.com—we’d love to hear from you! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Wyatt Amacker. Wyatt first joined High Rocks as a camper in the late 2000sRead More »
High Rocks Alum Spotlight: Liz Walker Welcome back to our Alumni Spotlight Series! This series highlights alumni throughout our years and what they are up to now. Interested in being spotlighted or want to nominate someone doing good work? Email Darby at office@highrocks.com. Today we are featuring Liz Walker. Read our other alumni spotlights on Barret Normann here and DaltonRead More »
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Whether you spent your summers at High Rocks 50 years ago or just joined us last summer, you know how important our alumni are to this place. Staying connected is a cherished part of the High Rocks tradition and continues to shape camp for years ahead. We look forward to seeing you at the reunion in 2027 and for visits to camp in between.

If you haven’t heard from us in a while, update your contact info! We send out periodic email and mailing updates.

Our Online Camp Store is open, and it is the easiest way to grab something that brings a bit of High Rocks home.

Each summer, we host campers thanks to your generous support. Camp is a unique gift, truly worth giving. 

Keep up with High Rocks news and connect with your peers through our Facebook Group!